TechBlog

Using an iPhone for remotes

AL 21 Mar 2013

We all know at this stage that the iPhone is an extremely versatile thing! With the right apps and maybe a bit of hardware, we broadcasters can harness its power to help us out in remote broadcasts, journalists' interviews, outside recordings etc.

The iPhone 4/4S and 5's internal microphone isn't too bad quality, but for proper broadcast quality we recommend the Tieline Mic Adaptor.Then you can use your bestest pro microphone with a proper XLR connector, and a nice pair of headphones.

There are apps available for little or no money that allow you to record audio into the iPhone and then email it; However for the most versatility, the Tieline Report-IT app is unbeatable.

When paired with a Tieline codec back at base, this app will allow you to:

Do a live, on the spot audio feed to your station;

Record a piece of audio for later transmission;

AND upload a copy of that audio to your nominated ftp server - all automatically.

And if you have the Enterprise version, you could even interview someone live on air, (or record it for later broadcast) in another part of the world.

The scenario: Bonio from pop band Ewe-Too has something very important to pronounce. You set up a user on your Report-IT account using your own iPhone, and email Bonio the password.

He then downloads the free Report-IT Enterprise App, logs in, hits the 'connect' button and the Report-IT server tells his iPhone which codec to connect to (yours) and within a few seconds you have a full broadcast-quality connection with one of the most annoying men in the world.

Do the interview - then as soon as its finished the app uploads a copy of it to your ftp server!

Then you can broadcast it, if you want.

But here's a thing that people have asked us before: What happens if someone rings you while you're live or recording on the iPhone?

Well, it's not the fault of the app, but the iPhone will switch to the phone call. Which can be a pain.

So, do a divert of all calls to your voicemail while you're using the iPhone for recording or live work!

It's in the iPhone's settings, but here's a natty tip: Make two new contact entries. One called 'Divert On' the other called 'Divert Off'.

The 'number in 'Divert On' should be: *21*[another number]#  and in 'Divert Off' put #21#

Then you 'call' these contacts to divert or undivert your iPhone.

(All this stuff will work in Android phones too, the Report-IT app is also available in that guise).

Call us if you want more info or assistance!